Three unwanted pedigree dogs are in need of the public’s help so they can undergo surgery to help them see and breathe properly.

Arnie the British Bulldog and French Bulldogs Poppy and Winston were taken in by the animal rescue centre Woodside, but they all have serious health problems which are going to cost thousands to rectify.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust is continually seeing the results of both poor breeding and selective breeding resulting in many welfare problems from difficulty breathing, difficulty in walking, bad skin conditions, and as with the three current intakes, many more issues affecting eyes, ears and noses.

Arnie has a poorly eye which needs fixing

Arnie needs corrective surgery for a cherry eye costing around £800 and Poppy requires surgery to correct the narrowing of her nose which is creating breathing issues, totalling roughly £350.

Poor Winston needs quite a big operation – not only does he require the widening of his nose canals but also an intensive ear operation, totalling almost £2,000.

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Deputy manager Lisa Darcy said: “We have tried to use medication to treat Winston’s ear problems but sadly we have been unable to significantly reduce his pain.

"This has led us to make the difficult decision to operate. The operation does have risks, especially when so close to the brain, but we feel he deserves the shot at a pain free life.

Poppy the French Bulldog

“All three dogs have such fabulous characters. They are getting spoilt by staff while awaiting their operation dates. As is often the case they will require close watching and good aftercare, but we hope they will soon be able to look for forever homes.”

The charity has now set up a Virgin Giving page to help raise funds for the operations.

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Founder Carole Bowles MBE added: “Our vet bills are a major outlay each month and we have been busy fundraising for additional operations but over the last six months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of animals needing welfare related operations – sadly the majority of which are pedigree dogs.

"I will never understand why the look of a dog comes higher on the list than their health or even personality”.

Winston needs around £2,000 worth of surgery

Anyone able to donate towards the dogs operations can do so online by visiting this link or by calling the sanctuary on 01752 347503 and donating by card. Alternatively you can send a cheque to: “Woodside Animal Sanctuary” Elfordleigh, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5ED. You can keep up to date on the amounts raised through Woodside’s Facebook page.